ISIL accused of killing renowned Syrian archaeologist

Khaled Asaad’s body found hanging in main square of ancient city of Palmyra, says Syria’s antiquities chief.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group is believed to have killed a renowned archaeologist in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. Syria’s antiquities chief says Khaled Asaad’s body was found hanging in the main square of the historic site on Tuesday.

Before the Syrian conflict, Palmyra’s ancient building and amphitheatre drew tourists from around the world. As head of antiquities, Khaled Asaad oversaw years of research and restoration at the World Heritage Site gaining international recognition.

The 82-year-old had been held by ISIL after it captured the city in May.

Neave Barker reports.

Source: Al Jazeera